Let's say its 1825. We're in a major harbor like NY, SanFran, etc. and there's tall ships tied up. Its time to weigh anchor and head out. How did they do it? How did they get the ship turned around and headed for the big briny? Or did they back her in when they tied up and only had to "scoot away" from the dock. Most of us rely on outboards or diesels for this task, but how did the less technology gifted make do? And do any of you have stories about heading out or returning on a boat w/o a motor that would typically have one? Thx.
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with 1700s technology
Hate to be the spoiler of dreams, but they had small steam yawl boats (not to be confused with a yawl-rigged sailboat) in harbors in the late 1700s. However, I think lacking the steamtug and without a favorable breeze, which captains often awaited, to row out the kedges and man the capstan would be the plan of the day!
Hate to be the spoiler of dreams, but they had small steam yawl boats (not to be confused with a yawl-rigged sailboat) in harbors in the late 1700s. However, I think lacking the steamtug and without a favorable breeze, which captains often awaited, to row out the kedges and man the capstan would be the plan of the day!
Spring lines, etc.
You can do wonders with spring lines and sails. So long as the wind isn't directly pinning a ship to the dock, you can use a combination of sails and lines to leverage your way. Remember, multi-masted ships had a lot more sails in different locations to play with. Wind from astern and dock to starboard? Set the spanker (fore and aft sail on the mizzen), and set the boom out to port. Free up all lines except the bow lines. the spanker will push the stern away from the dock while the bow line acts as a pivot. You get the idea. If the ship was pinned to the wharf by the wind, they could warp the boat off. This consists of running lines from the boat to other fixed locations and heaving away with the ship's capstans. I bet they often just waited for good conditions; folks had to be a lot more patient then.
You can do wonders with spring lines and sails. So long as the wind isn't directly pinning a ship to the dock, you can use a combination of sails and lines to leverage your way. Remember, multi-masted ships had a lot more sails in different locations to play with. Wind from astern and dock to starboard? Set the spanker (fore and aft sail on the mizzen), and set the boom out to port. Free up all lines except the bow lines. the spanker will push the stern away from the dock while the bow line acts as a pivot. You get the idea. If the ship was pinned to the wharf by the wind, they could warp the boat off. This consists of running lines from the boat to other fixed locations and heaving away with the ship's capstans. I bet they often just waited for good conditions; folks had to be a lot more patient then.
The call always was " we sail with the tide"
Ships were turned in preparation for sailing once they were loaded. Often they dropped a kedge when they came in, anticipating their departure. But they always waited for favorable conditions of wind and tide.
Ships were turned in preparation for sailing once they were loaded. Often they dropped a kedge when they came in, anticipating their departure. But they always waited for favorable conditions of wind and tide.
I had a book once...
All about tall ships and square sails. It had an entire chapter devoted to how square rig ships maneuvered in and out of ports and narrow waterways. It was very interesting how they adjusted their sails to do weird things like, as mentioned, sail backwards, sideways, and a few other things. I'm sure if they saw us now they'd say we have it too easy.
All about tall ships and square sails. It had an entire chapter devoted to how square rig ships maneuvered in and out of ports and narrow waterways. It was very interesting how they adjusted their sails to do weird things like, as mentioned, sail backwards, sideways, and a few other things. I'm sure if they saw us now they'd say we have it too easy.
In Honolulu
Other place as well I imagine. They had draft animals pull them. The streets along the harbor run differently than the surounding streets. Always semmed a little odd before I saw the pictures then it made perfect sense.
Other place as well I imagine. They had draft animals pull them. The streets along the harbor run differently than the surounding streets. Always semmed a little odd before I saw the pictures then it made perfect sense.
old square riggers
I being a sailor never realized just how much work went into moving and turning those boats. Then one day ,perhaps a year ago, I was watching some old movie on the tube and saw how when this captain came into the harbour he had to navigate, in order to take out as many ships a she could and then set himself up to be sunk in the channel. I kno I kno its T.V.,But as a sailor I found a new interest.
I being a sailor never realized just how much work went into moving and turning those boats. Then one day ,perhaps a year ago, I was watching some old movie on the tube and saw how when this captain came into the harbour he had to navigate, in order to take out as many ships a she could and then set himself up to be sunk in the channel. I kno I kno its T.V.,But as a sailor I found a new interest.
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